Abortion Clinic Regulations Get Final Approval

Defying the testimony of many legal and medical experts, Virginia’s Board of Health has given final approval to new regulations that will force abortion clinics to meet the same architectural requirements as new hospitals.

Supporters cheered but angry protestors walked out of a state hearing room Friday after the board of health voted to impose new regulations on abortion clinics – architectural requirements originally written for new hospitals.

Some months ago, the board agreed to impose the standards only on new clinics, but Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli refused to certify the vote and warned members he would not defend them if anyone chose to sue over this issue.

About 30 people testified before today’s vote – most opposing the new rules. Activist Eileen Davis pointed out that other medical facilities that perform invasive procedures -- dental surgeries, colonoscopies and liposuction – are not required to meet hospital standards.

“If you truly believe you need to regulate outpatient clinics, then regulate them all," said Davis.

But 11 of 13 board members voted to impose the rules on abortion clinics alone. Those facilities now have two years to comply. Critics say it will be too expensive for most to do so, and they predict most of Virginia’s 20 abortion clinics will close.

Related Content

This Friday, April 12, Virginia’s Board of Health meets again to vote on controversial new rules that would force women’s health clinics that provide abortions to meet standards written for hospitals – or to close.

Now, a candidate for lieutenant governor says guidelines issued by the governor himself dictate another course of action for the so-called Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers – or TRAP.

Governor McDonnell is now asking legislators to impose a limit on insurance policies to be sold here through a federal exchange – a place where Virginians who don’t have coverage through work or school can buy it.

In 2014, Virginians will be able to buy health insurance through a federally run exchange. Some consumers will be eligible for tax breaks to help cover the cost of a policy, and for that reason organizations like the Family Foundation want to exclude abortion from coverage.